New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
New Bedford High School junior Dyllan Almeida will represent Massachusetts next month as a Senator to Boys Nation, a prestigious leadership and citizenship program. A member of the Class of 2015, Dyllan was one of about 400 young men statewide selected to participate in Boys State, held last week at Stonehill College in Easton, MA. At Boys State, Dyllan and one other young man were elected by their peers to represent Massachusetts at Boys Nation, which will be held July 18-25 at Marymount University in Arlington, VA, and various sites in Washington, DC.
Superintendent Pia Durkin said, “We are so proud of Dyllan for representing New Bedford at Boys State, and for being chosen among many other student leaders to represent Massachusetts at Boys Nation. Dyllan has distinguished himself as a true scholar and leader at New Bedford High School.”
Dyllan is an incoming battalion commander in the JROTC program at New Bedford High School. He has received many commendations, including the Superior Cadet Award, Julius Goldman Leadership Award and the George Marshall Leadership Award. Earlier this year, he was selected to participate in the U.S. Air Force Academyʼs Diversity Visitation Program. He spent three days at the Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, to experience all aspects of cadet life.
Dyllan has excelled academically in Advanced Placement courses at the high school and is a member of the Whaler Tennis Team. He has volunteered more than 400 hours of community service, is active
in his church community, and is on track to become an Eagle Scout. Sponsored by The American Legion, Boys State programs are offered in 49 states (all but Hawaii), educating young leaders about the structure and function of state and local governments. At Boys Nation, delegates learn about the federal government. During the week-long program, the young Senators organize into committees and conduct hearings on bills submitted by their peers. The all expenses paid trip includes lectures, forums and visits to federal agencies, institutions, memorials and historical sites. The delegates also will meet with elected officials from their home states on Capitol Hill. The first Boys Nation – then called Boys Forum of National Government – convened at American University in Washington in August 1946.
Dyllan was sponsored for the program by American Legion Post 280 in Mattapoisett.
